Saintayme Saint-Emilion 2022

James Suckling : 94 Points

(1/9/2025) This is a solid and structured Saintayme, with lots of terracotta and dark fruits on the nose and palate. It's medium- to full-bodied with a fine, chewy tannin backbone and a flavorful finish. Impressive. Pure merlot. Drink after 2028.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni : 93 Points

(1/2025) The 2022 Saintayme is a rich, heady Saint-Émilion. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, apricot, spice, new leather and a kiss of French oak saturate the palate. Plus contours wrap it all together, adding to a feeling of sensuality. A decidedly opulent, flashy Saint-Émilion, Saintayme has a ton of tannin, but it's nearly buried by the sheer luxuiriousness of the fruit. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2037.

Decanter : 92 Points

(1/8/2025) Expressive and open with dried flowers, liquorice, and black cherries on the nose. The palate is supple and lively, bursting with cool blueberries and red cherries, offering clarity and precision without tension. The chalky, powdery tannins add weight and roundness, making this both vibrant and easy to enjoy. Subtle hints of black chocolate, espresso, and cedar emerge on the finish, adding depth. With its bright acidity and refined balance, this is an effortlessly drinkable wine that offers immediate pleasure while retaining the structure for short-term ageing. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2039.

Jeb Dunnuck : 92 Points

(2/27/2025) Based on 100% Merlot that was raised in 30% new barrels, the 2022 Saintayme is juicy and upfront, with bright red and black fruits intermixed with hints of tobacco, crushed stone, and graphite. It's nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied, upfront, and absolutely delicious. I love it today, yet it’s going to deliver the goods over the coming decade. Readers could do much worse than a case of this in the cellar. Maturity: 2025 - 2035.

The Wine Independent : 91 Points

(6/5/2025) This is 100% Merlot as always, and the élevage was in 30% new oak. This has confident and forward fruit expression on the nose, all blackberry, blueberry and cherry, with a desiccated edge, and a touch of toasty warmth. A polished, modest substance on the palate, medium-bodied with a rich core of dark summer fruits, concentrated with a touch of confit depth, and a rich backbone of finely knit tannins. A robust example of the appellation, with powdery and chalky substance, and a energy which will need only a handful of years in bottle to bed in. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14.4% on analysis.